Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have intensified a large-scale assault on terrorist and bandit strongholds in Matazu Local Government Area, Katsina State, destroying multiple hideouts and logistics hubs during ongoing clearance missions.
According to The Punch, the military disclosed that the offensive, tagged Operation CLEAN SWEEP III, began on June 14, 2026, shortly after the abduction and subsequent death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was kidnapped alongside his wife by suspected terrorists in the area.
Authorities said the renewed campaign is designed to hunt down those behind the attack, dismantle criminal networks, and restore stability in affected communities.
In a statement released on Monday, the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, confirmed that troops have been conducting sustained fighting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, cordon-and-search actions, and clearance operations across identified terrorist enclaves within the joint operations area.
Danja noted that notable gains were recorded around the Dikkawa Hills axis and adjoining communities, where several insurgent hideouts were uncovered and subsequently destroyed.
“Since the commencement of the operation on 14 June 2026, troops have conducted aggressive fighting patrols, intelligence-led raids, cordon-and-search operations and clearance missions across identified criminal hideouts and suspected terrorist enclaves within the Joint Operations Area,” he said.
He further explained that clearance operations extended to Adua, Nasarawa, and Karaduwa communities, where terrorists’ support infrastructure was dismantled.
“During the operations, terrorists’ life-support structures and logistics bases were discovered and destroyed, further degrading the criminals’ ability to operate within the area,” Danja stated.
According to the military spokesperson, the operation is being carried out in coordination with sister services, other security agencies, and local stakeholders to strengthen overall security efforts in Katsina State.
“The operation is being conducted in close collaboration with sister services, other security agencies and local stakeholders whose support continues to contribute significantly to ongoing efforts aimed at improving security within the state,” he said.
He reassured residents of Matazu Local Government Area and nearby communities of the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while denying terrorists and bandits freedom of movement.
“The Theatre Command wishes to reassure the good people of Matazu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities that troops remain committed to protecting law-abiding citizens and denying terrorists and bandits freedom of action within the region,” Danja added.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring that all information would be handled confidentially.
He maintained that troops would sustain pressure on criminal elements until the objectives of the operation are fully achieved, adding that further updates would be communicated as operations progress.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Government confirmed on Saturday that Major General Abubakar had died.
It stated that he passed away due to complications linked to diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
